Relax with a recliner chair

While recliner chairs have had their swings and roundabouts, there is no denying that, for a comfy sit-down, it doesn't get much better when you get to sit back and put your feet up, regardless of shape or size.

"There are recliner chairs for all ages and lifestyles. The mature age group tends to prefer the small, compact recliners, as they may be living in a unit and not have a lot of space, while a lot of younger people will go for the big impressive ones," says Alan Shayer of the House of Recliners.

Recliners to support the body

All recliners feature two essential elements: they have a foot raise/rest and backs that move up and down. "If you have a back problem, being able to adjust the angle you're sitting at works very well," says Alan.

"Another feature for the very elderly, who may have difficulty pulling themselves up, is to have an electric chair lift. This lifts them in the air and stands them up, or it can work the other way and recline them."

Avoiding massage recliner chairs

Alan says novelty recliners tend to be at the small end of the market and can be a bit gimmicky. "Recliners which massage through vibration can be a bit of whimsical buy," he says. "The ones with the really heavy mechanical rollers do work well, but they can be expensive."

Heated recliners

Another option is the heated seat. "Most of the better massage recliners come with a heated seat," says Alan. "They are great if you live somewhere cold, but they tend to have a limited application in the Australian environment."

Recliner chair fabrics

With the wide range of recliners now available, you can have your pick of features to suit you: rounded arms, more or less padding, leather or fabric covering. But Alan says there is not a lot of flexibility if you want to customise your recliner: "Most of the furniture comes out of China these days, so you have to accept the fabric the supplier picks.

"If the chairs are made here - and there are a few manufacturers that do it - then you can choose your fabric, but there is a cost involved. You can make other small changes but you can't make fundamental changes to the design."

Stylish home cinemas

The recliner recently had a bit of a boom period, with people wanting them for their home cinemas, but Alan says this demand has calmed down. "We're finding that people are now going more for lounge suites, which you can also get as recliners," he says.

Contact a furniture specialist in your area to find out which recliner chair would best suit your home: